RAM-RAIDERS smashed a van through the front of a Widnes shop in a bid to make off with a cash machine.

But after the five-strong gang of robbers sped from the crime scene in two getaway vans, police captured one of the suspects after he fled from the vehicle with a force spotter plane and police dogs in pursuit.

The suspect is now being quizzed about his role in the raid.

Police say the five-strong gang reversed a vehicle into steel shutters built into a shop front on Halton View Road, Widnes.

They seized the portable cash machine from inside and loaded it into the back of Vauxhall Movano van while the rest of the gang members jumped into a white Citroen Berlingo van which headed towards Widnes town centre.

Police quickly tracked down the Vauxhall which was eventually involved in a collision with a police car at Junction 6 of the M62.

Officers recovered the cash machine and the money in it.

The raid was carried out at 4am on Saturday.

A police spokesman said: 'We are keen to speak to witnesses. If you were in or around the Halton View area of Widnes or in Widnes town centre around 4am, or saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of the motorway junction around 4.20am, you are asked to contact the specialist investigations unit on 0845 458 0000.'